Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study that investigates the spatial and temporal variations of exhaled e-cigarette aerosols and conventional cigarette smoke in a controlled chamber. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the dynamic properties of particles emitted during the use of these products and their impact on air quality.
Key Points:
* The study was conducted in a room-simulating chamber with a heated mannequin to represent a bystander and controlled ventilation rates.
* Three volunteers used e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes at different distances from the mannequin, and particle concentrations and size distributions at the bystander's position were measured.
* The particle concentrations registered following each puff were in the same order of magnitude for both product categories.
* however, for e-cigarettes, the particle concentration returned rapidly to background values within seconds, while for conventional cigarettes, it increased with successive puffs and returned to background levels after 30-45 minutes.
* The temporal variation for conventional cigarettes was dependent on the room ventilation rate, while for e-cigarettes, it was not.
* Particle size measurements showed that exhaled e-cigarette particles were smaller than those emitted during smoking conventional cigarettes and evaporated almost immediately after exhalation.
* The removal of particles following smoking conventional cigarettes was much slower and was dependent on the room ventilation rate.
Main Message:
The study found significant differences between emissions from e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes. Exhaled e-cigarette particles are liquid droplets that evaporate rapidly, while conventional cigarette smoke particles are more stable and linger. The study highlights the importance of considering the dynamic properties of particles emitted during the use of these products when evaluating their impact on air quality.
Citation
Martuzevicius D, Prasauskas T, Setyan a, et al. Characterization of the Spatial and Temporal Dispersion Differences Between Exhaled E-Cigarette Mist and Cigarette Smoke. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2019;21(10):1371-1377. doi:10.1093/ntr/nty121
